Issues arise as consultation on schools ongoing

Ben O’Connell

Parents fighting to save an under-threat middle school have upped their game, because of concerns about a lack of engagement and understanding.

A consultation is ongoing for the 18 schools in the Alnwick Partnership, which could see the structure stay as it is now, become a two-tier system of primary and secondary schools or see the Duke’s and Lindisfarne Middle Schools merged.

Parents fighting against the merger – under the banner of the Duke’s School Action Group (DSAG) – are concerned that people are not engaging with or fully aware of the issues involved.

They are planning a number of ways of spreading the word, including producing a poster to explain the possible changes, above, to try to simplify the 20-page consultation document.

They also feel that the wider community is not aware of potential implications outside of those for parents, pupils and staff.

For example, residents living near the Duke’s Middle School site may wish to consider what it would be used for if it was no longer a school.

Meanwhile, another parent, Vickie Fyffe, has complained to the county council about bias during a recent consultation meeting held at Whittingham First School.

She raised concerns about Roger Edwardson, who has not spoken at all of the events.

“This man was extremely biased in his delivery of the information to parents, and was most dismissive of any parents or members of the public who questioned his preference,” she said.

A Northumberland County Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the received complaint and the council will reply to the inquiry in due course.”